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Liverpool are plotting a blockbuster £100million swoop for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The Reds are prioritising their attacking options this summer and have sounded out the 22-year-old to help spearhead a new-look front line.
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Bradley Barcola has emerged as a shock target for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Barcola could join Florian Wirtz at Anfield upon completion of his British-transfer record £127million deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
However, a move for the Frenchman might not be straightforward with Bayern Munich also interested in the former Lyon academy star.
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola has not softened their stance on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
The newly-crowned Premier League champions hold a long-standing interest in the Magpies’ striker but know that Newcastle are likely to command a huge fee for their prized asset.
That could see Liverpool reluctantly look elsewhere in their search for a new striker should the Magpies slap a price tag of around £150m on the Swede.
Aside from the Wirtz deal, the possible addition of Isak would push the club’s spending to over £300m including Jeremie Frimpong and Bournemouth’s £40m-rated left-back Milos Kerkez who remains on their radar.
Liverpool will hope to raise some much-needed funds by offloading striker Darwin Nunez, while Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota could also depart this summer.
PSG star Barcola, has emerged as an alternate option for the Reds who have closely monitored his tracks in recent weeks.
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Barcola, who started the season as first-choice, has seen his game time reduced since the January arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Desire Doue has also impressed in the second half of the season which has seen PSG boss Luis Enrique opt for the pair alongside Ousmane Dembele, with Barcola having to settle for a place on the bench.
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The Reds are closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz
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Liverpool are continuing to monitor Alexander IsakCredit: Getty
Barcola was handed a starting spot in last month’s Coude de France final win over Reims and responded emphatically by netting twice.
It was anticipated that Barcola would start the Champions League final against Inter but the Spanish tactician reverted back to his favoured three, meaning Barcola was reduced to a cameo in PSG’s 5-0 mauling of the Italians.
Discussing Liverpool’s transfer activity, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes the Premier League champions are bracing themselves for plenty of comings and goings this summer with Barcola fitting the profile they are looking for.
“They are looking for that type of player because Darwin Nunez will go.
So I think they will look to bring in another forward,” Crook said.
“I know they're massive admirers of Alexander Isak at Newcastle, but I think it's a really difficult deal to do in terms of what Newcastle would demand.
You're talking £150 million to even entertain selling their star striker.
“And they're in a stronger position to keep him now they qualify for the Champions League.
I can see the Barcola link.”
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Barcola set up PSG's fifth goal in last month's Champions League final win over InterCredit: bradley_dls
He continued: “In terms of Florian Wirtz, we expect it to happen.
But I think this will happen.
“I think that's worrying for the rest of the Premier League because obviously they won the title last year.
I think Wirtz would be a brilliant addition and I make them favourites to retain the trophy.”
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